Winter athletics is in full swing around the valley. Basketball players, wrestlers, archers, cheerleaders, and swimmers are all putting in numerous practice hours to prepare their bodies and minds for the competition ahead. Athletes from around the valley will vie for a coveted spot on the podium.
To be honest we double dipped, pun indented, when we wrote the article on Victory Kidney. You can see that article here. So, this article is a bit John Marshall heavy. Please, no offense to any of other schools that have some amazing swimmers competing tonight and tomorrow. We are very aware of Parkersburg South, Wheeling Park, University, and others that have very strong programs. We just have limited time and really wanted to get a preview of the OVAC swimming event in.
Swimming, often times the forgotten high school sport will be making a splash this weekend at Brooke High School’s natatorium for Brubaker’s OVAC swimming championship meet. We are trying not to let that happen here at Ohio Valley Athletics.
John Marshall High school will be sending 12 girls and 3 boys to compete at this event. “We are so proud of our swimmers this year and are looking forward to some great races this weekend!” states assistant coach Timmi Snyder
Senior Victoria Kidney will be battling against Delaney Householder from Morgantown high for the 100 Backstroke and 200 IM title. Kidney hopes to break her own OVAC backstroke record from 2020.
Senior Sierra Taylor has been a force to be reckoned with this season and has consistently dropped time. She will be competing in the 50 and 200 freestyle. Taylor’s seed times places her in the top 15 for both of her individual events.
Senior Sydney Hess will be swimming the 100 breaststroke and 100 butterfly for the Monarchs. Sydney has been working hard to secure her spot not only at OVACs but also for Regionals.
Sophomore Maitlyn Miller will be making a dash for the 50 free and the 100 free and hopes to podium this year. Maitlyn is a consistently good swimmer. She is fast and a pivotal part of our relay teams.
Our trio of freshman boys: Jasper Murrin, Brodie Baker, and Wyatt Jefferson have impressively dropped times and earned a spot to compete at OVACS. I am incredibly proud of their determination and hard work.
Wyatt Jefferson will be making a strong showing for the 100 Breaststroke and the 50 Freestyle.
JMHS girl’s relay teams will be creating quite a wave. The 200 Free Relay consisting of: Victoria Kidney, Maddie Behm, Sierra Taylor, and Maitlyn Miller have secured a seed time of 1:50.44 with only one team being faster which is Dover with a 1:48.18. This will be an exciting relay to watch and I know our girls have more to give.
The 400-relay team consisting of: Victoria Kidney, Sierra Taylor, Sydney Hess, and Maitlyn Miller are seeded at fourth with a 4:16.04 and hoping to swim to a podium finish.
The OVAC swimming tournament begins tonight, January 20th at Brooke High School with small schools at 5:15 pm and big schools tomorrow, January 21st, again at Brooke High School, at 10:15 am.
Please go out and support these fabulous athletes. Ohio Valley Athletics will be there both days. You will find updates here on our site and on our social media pages.
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